Staff Profile

Career Summary

Biography

My research, as a computational/theoretical physicist, is concerned with searching for materials possessing unusual structural & electronic properties, and quantitative modelling of surfaces and nanosystems. Prior to my appointment at the University of Newcastle I was developing mathematical models for studying electronic phenomena at metal surfaces. Since my appointment in 1994 I have investigated properties (mainly structural) of adsorbed semiconductor surfaces. In the past 5 years, adopting state-of-the-art first-principles (ab initio) theory, I have extended these studies onto complex functional materials and surfaces that are directly of experimental and technological interest. As such, my research, while still providing fundamental knowledge and understanding at the atomic level, also facilitates the design and development relevance to high technological interest such as semiconductor materials and nanocomposities for nanoelectronics or heterogeneous catalysis for clean energy technologies. The achievements of my research, viewed in the context of opportunity (Teaching & Service), are:

Established an international, national and local track record in computational surface physics and nanoscience;

Established effective and successful cross-disciplinary collaboration with leading theoretical, experimental and engineering groups;

Built up significant (in size) research group and established three major research programs: Single-organic-molecule Molecular Electronics, Properties of Nanosystems, and Catalytic Formation of Pollutants;

Received significant and essential support (internal and external) for successful execution and extension of my research projects;

Published 66 research papers in relevant and top-ranked journals; presented 108 conference papers;

Successfully supervised two (54) PhD projects

Qualifications

Habilitation (European Equiv to Doctor of Sc), University of Wroclaw, Poland, 27/05/1994

Master of Science, University of Wroclaw, Poland

PhD, University of Wroclaw, Poland, 16/11/1986

Research

Research keywords

Atomic Closters

Computational Physics

Nanostructures

Nanotubes

Surface Physics

Research expertise

All of my research has been in the area of theoretical/computational solid state physics (surface physics) and nanoscience (nanotubes, atomic clusters, and those resulting from the interaction of various atoms and molecules with semiconductor surfaces. Over my entire academic career I have published 90 research papers in peer-reviewed journals, received more than $500,000 in research grants, been a referee for many international journals, and presented talks at a large number of national and international conferences. During the past five years I have been the recipient of 15 internally and externally funded grants totaling over $200,000 and have, together with my colleague A/Prof. Phil Smith, been granted over 300,000 hours of processing time on the ANU APAC supercomputer facility. ,

Invitations

Administrative

Administrative expertise

Since 2005 I have been serving as the Head of the Discipline (HOD) of Physics (School of Mathematical & Physical Sciences). My main responsibility as a HOD is to monitor the teaching process and teaching related administration within the discipline. As a HOD I am responsible for the distribution of part-time teaching, and the teaching allocations of academic staff. I am also involved in developing strategic direction & staff developing programs (eg. Management for Performance - Academic Staff supervisor). Program coordinator (Physics Major). I address the needs of students enrolled in the BSc program (physics major). I assess the applications for student exchange programs and provide advice on course selection and supporting programs. I am responsible for students credit transfers. I am also a member of the BSc Program Committee.

First year coordinator (2003-2005). I was the first-year course coordinator for all undergraduate physics courses Currently I am a course coordinator of the newly developed undergraduate course (Phys1205 Integrated Physics 220 students).

Since 2004 I have been the first-year laboratory program coordinator for all introductory physics courses at the 1000 level (650 students in total in 2007).

Teaching

Teaching keywords

Computer simulations

General Physics

Quantum Mechanics

Solid State Physics

Surface Physics

Teaching expertise

My teaching experience in the past 5 years includes teaching physics at undergradutae and honors levels. I have also supervised 3 RHD students. I have tought all course in General Physics; also Quantum Mechanics, Solid State Physics, Surface Physics, and Computer modelling. I have introduce a number of innovations (new undrgraduate laboratory. oin-line tutorial system). I have published and presented conference papers on teaching and learning (4 conference presentations and 3 published papers).